Prime Minister Justin Trudeau plans to formally apologize for the Komagata Maru incident in Vancouver’s Burrard Inlet.
The incident took place in 1914, when the Canadian government denied entry to a Japanese boat called the Komagata Maru, carrying nearly 400 immigrants from India. The boat was controlled by Britain, and was ultimately sent back to India, with 19 passengers shot and killed by British soldiers and majority of the remaining passengers jailed.
The refusal is one of many Canada’s government committed during the time in an effort of keeping immigrants out of the country. Though the incident happened 102 years ago, the Sikh community in Canada has been patiently waiting for a formal apology – something the Liberals promised if elected.
Trudeau recognized the passengers were seeking refuge and better lives, “like millions of immigrants to Canada since.”
Currently, there are 17 Sikh members of Parliament, including Vancouver MP and Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan.
Trudeau will make the apology on May 18 in the House of Commons.
Image via Vancouver Archives
